How much is enough?

To the Editor:

Has anyone’s family budget doubled since the Covid epidemic? I know mine hasn’t. But the State of Wyoming’s budget went from 740 million in 2019 to well over a billion ($1,200,000,000) in 2025 — a 60% increase.  

Do we know why? Is it because of inflation, which is about 7%, and not even close to 60%? Is it because we are providing better services? Hmmm, I think not. Did it filter down into rural communities for infrastructure and essential services that government is responsible for? Where did this money go?  

In 2025, $1.33 million was not even spent. Where is that money? 

In January this year Legislators were troubled with where to stash $250 million. That is one-third of a pre-Covid budget. How much should the state retain in the “Rainy Day Fund”? Wyoming has the largest savings account in the nation. How much is enough? 

Another question is, who do we vote for that understands the state savings account should have a limit? Too much money lying around in state funds is temptation for schemes of cronyism and corruption.   

Funds need to go back to local governments. Money needs to stay in the people’s pockets. Maybe families would like to build their safety nets. 

— Susan Love